The Alzheimer's Association, Long Island Chapter recently received grant funding under the Title IIIE of the Older Americans Act, which allows the chapter to offer non-medical respite to families in need of a break. This respite program offers free assistance to residents of Nassau County in dealing with the caregiving responsibilities of their loved ones who suffer with Alzheimer's or a related dementia.

Alzheimer's disease is a progressive, degenerative disease that attacks the brain and results in impaired memory, thinking and behavior. Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia, which is a loss of intellectual function such as thinking, remembering and reasoning so severe that it interferes with an individual's daily functioning and eventually results in death.

The grant, which will last one year with an anticipated three-year minimum program extension on a supported basis, offers caregivers a "time out" from their daily responsibilities and is done in conjunction with Home Companion Services of New York.

This free program, which is available to residents of Nassau County who take care of their loved ones with dementia and Alzheimer's in home, provides someone from Home Companion Services who helps with errands, meal preparations, shopping, company, conversations, escorts for walks, escorts to events and appointments, mental stimulation, housekeeping, sharing interests and talents, listening and general well-being information.

The Respite Program provides both the caregiver and the patient the opportunity to socialize and also offers social and emotional support. Although this is a non-medical program, the Alzheimer's Association can refer people to an agency to help with specific medical needs.

It is essential that the caregiver take a break from the constant needs of the dementia patient and give themselves special attention, according to research, which also shows that when caregivers are preoccupied with caring for their loved one, they often neglect their own health and well-being and, as a result, become ill themselves. This service works on the notion that by helping caregivers in their time of need, they can preserve their health and ultimately prevent additional hospitalizations and costly long-term care placements.

"I am very excited about the much needed respite services to Nassau residents suffering from dementia," said Fred Kadin, Executive Director of the Alzheimer's Association, Long Island Chapter. "The grant guidelines allow the chapter to offer this program to those who may not be able to otherwise avail themselves of these services free of cost, but with contributions permitted."

Although the Alzheimer's Association is headquartered in Suffolk County, it serves all of Long Island and this new program is, at this time, only available to residents of Nassau County.

The mission of the Alzheimer's Association, Long Island Chapter, which has been serving Long Island since 1983, is to serve Alzheimer's patients, their families and caregivers through a variety of programs and services for all Long Islanders. The disease usually strikes those over the age of 60 with greatest frequency rising from one in ten afflicted at age 65 to statistically one in two at age 85 and over. The association acts as a resource to the community for referrals to specialists, diagnosis information, financial and estate information, Safe Return, free lectures and seminars and Helpline services.

The Alzheimer's Association is the only national voluntary health organization dedicated to funding research for the causes, treatments, prevention and cures of Alzheimer's disease and providing support to the 4 million Americans with the disease, their families and caregivers.

For further information or to make a contribution, please contact Kristin Sarrapede, program coordinator, at 631-580-5100.